Quick answer
Gimcrack means showy but cheaply made; a flimsy ornamental object. It is usually pronounced JIM-krak, and today it is still readable to modern audiences, even if it sounds more deliberate than everyday speech.
Word page
Gimcrack
Gimcrack describes someone or something that is showy but cheaply made; a flimsy ornamental object. It belongs to tiny things and trifles and works best in playful writing, lively dialogue, and moments when plain wording feels too flat. It still feels usable today, especially when you want a word with more character than the plainest alternative.
At a glance
small-thingstriflesodd-objects
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
If something is gimcrack, it is showy but cheaply made; a flimsy ornamental object. The word usually adds a stronger tone than a simpler adjective, which is why it suits vivid writing so well.
Why this word feels absurd
Gimcrack feels absurd because it has more texture than the plain alternative, giving the idea an extra bit of theatrical, comic, or overbuilt energy.
Origin and history
Gimcrack is generally traced to recorded in English from the 17th century, possibly from a personal name used mockingly. In modern use, the history matters less than the strong tone the word still carries.
Is this word still used today?
Gimcrack is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
Example sentences
- The review called the minister’s reply positively gimcrack.
- One gimcrack remark was enough to sour the entire meeting.
- The novel introduces a gimcrack uncle who complains before breakfast.
- His gimcrack tone made the ordinary objection sound much worse than it was.
- She likes the word because even the insult feels slightly theatrical when it is gimcrack.
When should you use this word?
Use gimcrack when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in playful writing, dialogue, and places where tone matters.
Similar words
bauble, baublet, bibelot, bits-and-bobs, bric-a-brac
Opposite or contrasting words
plain speech, everyday wording, straightforward language
Common questions
- What does gimcrack mean? Showy but cheaply made; a flimsy ornamental object.
- How do you pronounce gimcrack? It is commonly pronounced JIM-krak.
- Is gimcrack still used today? Gimcrack is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
- When should you use gimcrack? Use gimcrack when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in playful writing, dialogue, and places where tone matters.
- What words are similar to gimcrack? Similar words include bauble, baublet, bibelot, and bits-and-bobs.
Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 9, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.